Car rental Durres
Car rental in Durres gives you the freedom to create your own travel route across Albania. With a car, you can easily explore attractions outside the city, plan a trip along the entire coastline, or head into the country’s mountainous regions.
Traveling by a rental car allows you to decide where to go and how long to stay at each location. This option is ideal for trips to nearby beach resorts, visits to national parks, or exploring traditional Albanian villages. It offers more freedom than buses and is often more cost-effective than taxis.
Where to Rent a Car in Durres
The best way to rent a car in Durres is to book it online before your trip. This is the most reliable option, allowing you to compare conditions, choose the right vehicle, and lock in the final price with no hidden fees. On arrival, especially during the high season, car availability is usually limited, and prices are often higher than with advance online booking.
After booking, you can pick up the car in one of the following ways:
- At a rental office in the city. Many companies have offices in Durres, often near the port or the city center.
- With delivery service. The most popular and convenient option. The car is delivered directly to your specified address.
- In the Lalzi Bay resort area. If you are staying at resorts north of Durres, you can receive the car there without traveling to the city center.
Before starting your trip, inspect the exterior and interior of the vehicle together with the company representative. Make sure all existing damage, such as scratches or dents, is recorded in the inspection report.
Car Rental Prices in Durres
Car rental prices in Durres are mainly influenced by three factors:
- vehicle type,
- rental duration,
- season.
In general, the longer the rental period, the lower the daily rate. The most affordable options are economy-class cars with older model years and manual transmissions. During summer, rental prices increase by 20–50%.
Approximate car rental prices in Durres:
- Economy and compact cars. The most budget-friendly option, including small cars such as Hyundai i20 or similar. Manual transmission cars start from €15–20 per day. Modern compact cars with automatic transmission usually cost €25–40 per day.
- Mid-size cars and crossovers. Sedans or hatchbacks like Volkswagen Golf or Toyota Corolla are available from €30–50 per day. Compact crossovers such as Nissan Qashqai fall into a similar or slightly higher range — from €40–70 per day.
- Minivans (7–9 seats). Prices start from €50–60 per day for models like Citroën Berlingo and can reach €150–200 per day for vehicles such as Mercedes V-Class.
- Convertibles. A less common option with limited availability. Rental prices usually start from €60–80 per day, and early booking is recommended.
- Premium cars. Typically vehicles aged 5 years or older. Prices range from €50–60 to several hundred euros per day, depending on the model and condition.
The final rental price also depends on selected extras, such as full insurance coverage, a child seat, or adding a second driver to the contract.
Car Rental Conditions in Durres
Car rental conditions in Durres are generally standard. To sign a rental agreement, you will need the following documents:
- Passport.
- Valid national driver’s license. If the information on your license is not written in Latin characters (for example, Cyrillic, Arabic, or another script), an International Driving Permit is required.
- Bank card. A card issued in the name of the main renter is usually required to block the security deposit. Some cars in Durres are available without a deposit or without a credit card — these options can be found using booking filters.
The minimum rental age is usually 21. For certain vehicles, the minimum age may be increased to 23 or 25, while some cars are available from 18 years old. These requirements are always specified in the car description. In most cases, 1–2 years of driving experience is sufficient, though some vehicles may require at least 3 years.
Most Popular Rental Cars in Durres
The choice of car depends on your route and travel companions. Roads in Albania range from modern highways to narrow mountain serpentines.
If your main goal is to explore Durres and nearby areas, a compact hatchback such as Hyundai i30 or Ford Fiesta is a practical choice. These cars are fuel-efficient and easy to park, and a small engine is usually sufficient.
For coastal trips or mountain routes, it is better to consider a crossover or SUV, such as Renault Captur or Hyundai Tucson. For these routes, vehicles with engines of 1.4 liters or more are recommended.
If you are traveling with four or more people, children, and luggage, a spacious station wagon or minivan — for example, Opel Zafira, Volkswagen Touran, or Chevrolet Captiva — will provide better comfort on longer journeys.
If you are not comfortable driving a manual transmission, especially on mountain roads, choosing an automatic transmission is strongly recommended. Consider both the number of passengers and the amount of luggage. A small car is easier to park, but may feel cramped on long trips.
FAQ
Are my national driver’s licenses valid in Durres?
Yes, if the information on your driver’s license is written in Latin characters. If your license uses only another script, an International Driving Permit is required.
Can I drive to Montenegro or Greece with a rental car?
Yes, but this must be arranged and approved in advance. An additional fee is often charged for cross-border travel. Leaving the country without notifying the rental company is prohibited and will result in penalties.
Where can I park in Durres?
During the high season, finding free parking in the city center can be difficult. Paid guarded parking lots are recommended. In resort areas such as Lalzi Bay, parking is usually easier and often free.
Is there a mileage limit?
Most rental cars in Durres come with unlimited mileage. If you need a car with no mileage limit, use the filters and select only relevant offers.
Can I add a second driver to the rental agreement?
Yes. The second driver must meet the same requirements and be present at pickup. An additional fee usually applies.
